They didn't have much money but they were at peace with themselves with these simple ways of life..
Those times were plentiful with simplicity and austerity. Although,the people of the valley were not affluent in terms of money power but an atmosphere of peace, tranquility and harmony prevailed everywhere. Those were the times when freedom had dawned not long ago and Sheikh Mohmad Abdullah was prime minister of the state and at the helm of affairs.
To me the location resembles Safakadal bridge. As a teenager , I have witnessed such events so many times. Besides healthy young guys used to jump from to top of bridge into the river, entertaining the fair number of people. It used to be real fun. Such bridges were constructed with wood. Later on the modern bridges were built during the prime ministership of Great Bakhshi Ghulam Mohammed. May Allah swt bless his soul inshallah amen.
We all would watch young boys jump from the bridges daringly! Fun used to be watching the live fish with the Fisherwomen and the art of price-haggling that would take place! Mind you the language used while driving a hard bargain used to be so articulate and mild, that it would leave both, the buyer as well as the Fisherwomen, having successfully managed to strike a Good Deal! As they bid each other good-bye till they met again for their next deal! And so their Rich Bond carried on.
Kani Kadal, the small round two storey building in middle, where famous general practitioner Dr Shambu nath alias Gasi used to practice.
Legend of past, Sufiana music Maestro Late Ustaad Muhammed Abdullah Tibetbaqal (1914-1982).
Wonder how he got his name ?
His ancestors used to do trade with old time Tibet and Ladakh, in Kashmiri they were known as "BOTAH WANI" and in persian Tibet baqal. meaning one who trades with Tibet/Ladakh.
Hari Singh high Street was the first organized commercial/residential business hub in Srinagar. Its construction was started under the orders of Maharaja Hari Singh in 1928 and was completed in 1931. The project was undertaken under the guidance of Mr. G.E.C. Wakefield C.I.E, O.B.E who has requisitioned the services Engr. Mr Francis Green from the Bombay Presidency. Under
Engineer Francis Green the first Sewer Line was laid which is still operational and is known as Green Sahibs Drain. I am uploading a few photographs of Hari Singh High Street during its construction phase and thereafter.
The caption writes, "To the autumn fairs in Kashmir swarm tribesmen from the Himalayas, from Ladak, and even from Tibet, to buy a handful of nails, glass bracelets, or perhaps some smuggled cartridges.
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